Four Ways to Respond to a 360 Review

Posted By
Amit Bindra

A 360 review offers benefits for both the company and for employees by
providing – hopefully – constructive feedback. It can allow
for peer-to-peer guidance so that a company and employees can improve
operations, productivity, and profitability.

However, a negative review or comments can be potentially damaging to an
employee’s career. Sometimes the information in the review may not
even be accurate.

There are
four ways to positively respond to a 360 review.

First, use a review – positive or negative – as an opportunity
to demonstrate
leadership and to express
gratitude. This can be an opportunity demonstrate that as an employee, you are willing
to continue to develop strengths while minimizing weaknesses. It is an
opportunity to show that you (a) are receptive to criticism and listen
to feedback, and (b) are willing to improve.

Second, take
time before responding. It is easy to be defensive to a negative review, especially
when it can put your career at risk. It is critical to take time to formulate
a strategy on how to proceed to avoid making a regretful comment in the
heat of the moment.

Third,
discuss negative criticisms with the appropriate individuals. If the negative reviews
are from a supervisor, it is important to change the supervisor’s
opinion, especially if the review is inaccurate. If the criticisms are
from an individual you are managing, recognize that there might be more
validity to the feedback as the individual has more to lose by providing
a negative review. Using a third party to help mediate these discussions
can be helpful to allow for constructive dialogue.

Finally, plan the necessary
steps and
share these steps with the appropriate team members. Continue to improve your
strengths. Determine what the key limitations are and figure out a strategy
on how to minimize these issues in the future. Develop an action plan
that you can communicate to your team. Again, this will allow you to demonstrate
critical leadership skills, turning a potentially negative situation into
a positive one.